Just Like Fate

JUST LIKE FATE has a lot to do with the consequences of the choices you make. The main premise of the story is that Caroline has to choose whether to stay with her dying grandmother, who she lives with, or to go a party and unwind. She hems and haws for a bit and then decides… to do both. At this point in the story it splits, alternating chapters being told by the Caroline who stays and the one who goes. This was done really well, and is just a really cool idea to begin with. At first I was a bit worried about being able to tell the two apart, but it ended up not being a problem. To begin with they were clearly labeled, and also the story took off in completely different directions, so the only parts that really got mixed up were minor.

This is a story that almost anyone can relate to in one way or another. You genuinely feel for Caroline, as well as the other characters. Each path she takes is equally well thought out and unforced. I particularly liked the end. It was very eerie, and at the same time enlightening and somehow comforting.

JUST LIKE FATE is a frightening look at how there really is no right answer, and there’s no going back, but in the end, you feel better about the world for some unexplainable reason.

I picked this gem up at BEA and was really excited to read, not only because it's written by two fantastic authors who I had the privilege to spend a little time with, but it was touted as a "Sliding Doors" for teens. (Sliding Doors was a super cool movie from the late 90's starring Gwenyth Paltrow.)

What I Loved: This is one of those stories that sucked me in, pulled at my heart-strings and punched me in the feels, and I loved every minute of it! (Okay, so there were a few stressful moments and some that made me cry, but still.) I was intrigued by the concept of two different fates because how many times do we go through life second guessing our decisions or asking, "What if?"

Life for Caroline is anything but awesome. Her Gram's is sick, her familial relationships are strained and she's been crushing on the same tall, dark and broodilicious boy for as long as she can remember. Then her BFF presents her with an opportunity that could change everything, all Caroline has to do is decide whether to stay or go. Seems simple enough, right? Riiight.

I'll admit it took me a couple pages before I caught on to the "Stay" and "Go" flow of the chapters buts that's because my cupcake doesn't always have the most sprinkles. *shrugs* Once I figured out that the dual fates was much like a dual POV, I was good to go.

Caroline's journey is filled with laughter, heartache, romance and tall, blond and utterly charming. But she learns a few lessons too, like how it's entirely possible (and normal) be angry with someone yet still love them. There are consequences to every choice and while mistakes are unavoidable, they don't have to define us for the rest of our lives. Caroline also learns that what we think we want may not be what we actually need. (Yes, there is a difference. Trust me on this. I'm old, I know stuff.)

There were several nail-biting, chest-clutching, full-on freaking out moments where I wasn't sure how this could possibly end well. But it does, with everything tying together beautifully and leaving no unanswered questions.

What Left Me Wanting More: Nothing. Unless, of course, Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young would like to write an entire book about a certain Batman - with pictures. ;)

Final Verdict: An engaging look at the choices we make with equal parts humor and heart. Read it!

Favorite Quote(s): "I forgot the corsage," he says smiling. "But we can still take photos if you like."